A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 3
-oOo-
August 17, 1996
Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Ginny was bubbling with nerves as she fussed over the dress for the umpteenth time and aggravated her hair wasn't falling in the curly locks she had been trying to perfect for the last two year now. She huffed as a crease would not come out of her dress.
"Gin, take a deep breath," Hermione said from behind her.
"It has to be perfect, Hermione," she stressed.
Hermione came up to her with Ginny's special brush and combed out the frizzy ends from the humidity today. "This is Harry. He doesn't do perfect," Hermione tried to tease.
Hermione didn't get it. Yes, she dated three boys this past year. Yes, she was more comfortable around Harry. But this was freakin' Harry Potter she was going on a date with today. After how he looked going out with Lavender Tuesday, she knew she had to be at the top of her game today. She had four months, not the four years she thought she might have.
Hermione must have seen some of freak out in her eyes because Hermione stopped and turned her around. When Hermione's eyes met hers, she stopped. Hermione's voice was calm. "Ginny, this is just Harry. The Harry we all know. If you go into this freaking out because he is the Boy-Who-Lived, or something else like that, you know he will run and keep running. Don't you?"
She started to hyperventilate. "It's Harry Potter, though. You know how much I like him. It was your stupid suggestion for me to date others to get over him."
Hermione was calm and shook her head. "I never said you had to get over him. I think my words were 'Harry just wants to be Harry. He wants to be normal,' and then I told you to date others to see if you could calm down about him."
Ginny started breathing so fast she felt a little dizzy. She let Hermione sit her on the bed. "But he is going out with Lavender again tomorrow. I don't want him with anyone else."
Hermione sighed. "I know, Gin. I think him and Ron, and I suggest you, should see a few people, at least at the start of the year. Now calm down. You are hyperventilating."
"You want him to become a player or me a scarlet woman?" she asked, cringing as she channeled her mum.
Hermione chuckled at her expression. "No. I am saying that this is a life-long decision. If any of you rush into this in a panic, I fear it won't work out."
Ginny felt tears biting at her eyes. "But it's Harry!"
"I know. Why did you break it off with Michael Corner this year?"
Blinking, she was thinking back to April when she had broken it off. The poor boy had looked heart broken. Ginny had to admit she wasn't happy with it either, but she felt like she was getting to close to him, and Harry was available, things with Cho having fallen apart.
Hermione seemed to get what was going on in her head. "Can I give you some advice?"
Ginny sagged on her bed, putting her head on Hermione's shoulder. "What is it?"
"You should like Harry for Harry. Not the Boy-Who-Lived. Not the boy that saved you. I am telling you right now, if you don't, the only reason he may chose you is because he feels he has to save you again. I don't think either of you will be happy in the long run if that is the only reason," Hermione told her.
Ginny could see the truth in Hermione's eye and took in a few deep breaths. "Why does it have to be so soon? I thought, maybe some time this year, or next, I would be able to convince him. This just feels..." she trailed off.
"Rushed?"
Ginny nodded. "Hermione, I really love him."
"And if you say that today, he will run. Harry isn't someone to give that part of himself to just anyone," she said.
The old suspicions of Hermione liking Harry reared its ugly head. She had to fight down the green-eyed monster before she nodded. "I'll remember that."
"Good. Now let me see if I can get these curls to stay and then you can go down and wow him," Hermione said with a smile that didn't really reach her eyes.
As they made it down the stairs, her mum's voice floated up. "...wandering from Diagon Alley. It was bad enough you did that the other day."
"What about Hogsmeade instead?" Harry pressed.
"I didn't hear you say you won't go wandering," her mum countered.
"Mrs. Weasley, I have been emancipated. I didn't go anywhere dangerous or anywhere I shouldn't with Lavender," Harry shot back, sounding annoyed now. They had argued about this the last few days. Her mum had just about adopted Harry. He respected her, but he was also sticking up to her. Not something most in this house did unless they needed too.
She opened the door and stood, one leg behind the other and her hands crossed before her. She knew she was trying to act cute, and the way Witch Weekly said boys liked to see girls. It wasn't exactly a disappointment.
Harry's green eyes looked up to her. She didn't miss his eyes wander up her body or the hint in his eyes that he liked what he saw. She had to say, she liked what she saw in him. He was wearing slacks today, with a polo shirt and a traveling cloak in his hands. Mum had told her it might rain today, so she had her cloak as well.
While Ginny was looking him up and down, a hungry look on her face, she missed the slight frown that was on his face for a few seconds.
Her mum made a noise and she looked to see her hands over her mouth. "You look so grown up," her mum said.
Ginny felt a flush come to her face. The last thing she wanted to hear in front of the boy she loved was that she 'looked all grown up'.
"You look nice today," Harry complimented her and her flush deepened. He had just complimented her!
"Ee... uhm, thank you," she stammered, mentally berating herself. She had gotten over this! She was the more confident Ginny now, not the quiet, shy Ginny she had been up until the end of third year.
Harry gave his mischievous grin, and she felt all gooey inside. Merlin, give me strength, she prayed. "You look handsome yourself."
Her mum turned to Harry. "I want you both back before six and Ginny is not to leave Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, then turned back to her with his eyes rolling. "Where would you like to go today?"
"I have a choice?" She felt dumb for even asking that.
"If you want. I had originally thought about going to Brighton Pier. Dean said there is a wizarding pub within walking distance, but that got voted down," Harry said, giving her mum a pointed look.
"Oh, what is that," Ginny asked, looking excited.
"It's a Muggle place. Has a bunch of shops, rides and food places. My parents and I have gone a few times. It's nice," Hermione answered.
Her mum pursed her lips. "You think it's a safe place to let them go?" her mum asked.
"Perfectly. I think it's a nice spot for a date," Hermione encouraged.
Her mum pursed her lips and seemed to think about it for a moment. She looked at her mum with pleading eyes while Harry mouthed 'Thank you' to Hermione. After a moment, her mum sighed. "Fine. I still want you back by six o'clock and nowhere else."
"I promise, Mrs. Weasley. I won't go anywhere else, and I will make sure Ginny is safe."
Her mum's expression softened. "I know you will, Harry. Now, have a good day and have fun."
Ginny beamed at her mother and soon Harry and her were off through the floo.
-oOo-
Hermione watched them go. Again, her heart felt like it was breaking a little bit more. Ginny was besides herself with giddiness. Harry looked pleased, but apprehensive too.
Soon after they were both gone, Hermione sat at the table.
"You want a cuppa, dear?"
"Please," Hermione accepted.
She watched the fire as Mrs. Weasley bustled around the kitchen. "I was starting to get used to the idea of all my children leaving the nest in the next few years. Looks like that will be shorter now. It's hard to see them all leave."
Hermione just nodded. She had been fighting off this sadness for two weeks now. Watching Harry go off with Lavender hadn't really hurt the other day. She was happy he had a good time, she liked Lavender, but Hermione had a feeling Harry and her just weren't that compatible... or maybe she was hoping? Who knew how he, or any of them, would think over the next few months?
"I am going to have to plan for six weddings over the next year or so. Possibly seven. While possibly expecting another child," Mrs. Weasley lamented. With a sigh, she took the screaming kettle off the stove and soon had a cup before Hermione, and some biscuits on the table. "Hermione, dear, how are you taking all of this?"
Hermione started, realizing the tea was on the table. "I'm sorry, what was that?"
The woman gave her a sad smile. "I was wondering how you were holding up? I've seen what you have been doing to help Harry, Ron and Ginny."
Hermione gave a sad smile of her own and took the small thing of milk. "I'm fine."
When she put the spoon down on the table, Mrs. Weasley put a hand over hers. "You don't have to be so strong when its only me around, Hermione. Are you in love with one of them?"
Hermione felt the tears burn hot in her eyes. She was being so strong for them, but she didn't have anyone to talk to about how she was feeling. Given the opportunity, she broke. "It's so unfair! How much more can be taken away from them? When will it be Harry's turn to just be who he is? Ginny doesn't really see him as just Harry. She still partially sees him as the Boy-Who-Lived. What of Ron? Or Ginny? Or any of them. This is just so unfair," she said, the tears finally leaving her eyes. "With Voldemort defeated, this was all supposed to stop. Harry deserves better."
Mrs. Weasley squeezed her hand. "I had suspected."
She just looked at Mrs. Weasley, feeling a pain in her chest. "Why can't he just be given some happiness. Just once?"
"I understand. What that poor boy has suffered, he deserves something good in his life. All we can do is support him. Support all of them. The Wizengamot is still looking into changing the law. I just want you all to have more time to be kids."
Hermione shook her head. "They have to be in a betrothal by December twentieth."
Mrs. Weasley patted her hand. "I know, dear." Mrs. Weasley pulled her hand away and started to drink her tea. "If you really love him, you have to either convince him to leave with you or let him go and find someone else. No matter what happens, I don't see either boy abandoning you."
Hermione put her face into her hands and allowed herself to cry. Hermione didn't respond, tears streaming down her face. Harry had made up his mind to stay. He would never run, even if she asked him too.
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley sadly said.
-oOo-
Same day...
Brighton, England
Harry laughed at the wide eyes of Ginny as she looked out onto the Channel. Her red hair fluttered in the breeze. "I've actually never been to the ocean," Ginny told him.
"We live on an island," Harry teased her.
"Still, there aren't many places wizards go to the ocean like this. Is that the pier?" Ginny had a little colour to her face.
"I'm assuming. I've never been here," he told her.
Ginny giggled. "What do you mean you've never been here? Isn't this close to where you used to live?"
Harry grimaced. "Not really. My relatives used to live about an hour west of London. This was a good hour or more from Little Whinging."
Ginny gave him a look. "Oh. I'm so used to the floo or side-a-long apparition, I never thought about it like that. So, what do we do on the pier?"
Harry shrugged. "There are some arcades, some rides, lots of places to eat. Looks like some shops around here," Harry answered. They had crossed the road and Ginny was looking out onto the sands and the sunbathers on the beach. Her eyes were a little wide.
"You okay?"
"Is that what Muggles wear to the beach?"
He followed her eyes and saw a group walking along. There were three women in bikinis and another in a one-piece. "Yeah," Harry replied.
Her face was even brighter, though she looked intrigued. "I have to talk with Hermione when we get home."
He wasn't sure to laugh or not. It had felt much more natural to be out with Lavender the other day because of how her mother and her lived. Ginny was fascinated and wide-eyed about everything. The first game he put a coin into she just screamed and he laughed as it made a bunch of loud noises.
It took them a while to work through the first building, then to the rides at the end of the pier. "Why does it have to make so much noise?" Ginny said with a huge grin as she watched the small roller coaster going around.
"It's all the metal. It's sort of like flying a broom, or so I here," he told her.
"It reminds me of the Gringotts carts. Mum took me on them once just before Ron went first year," she said. Her face showed her desire to get in line. "Are we going on?"
"That's what the bracelets are for," he told her, indicating the bands on their wrists.
Ginny just about bounced over to the coaster. "So, being captain, when are you going to run trials?"
"You looking to try out?" he asked as she leaned against the rail. The small coaster raced behind them.
"You know I am, prat," she said with a smirk. "Someone has to replace Angelina and Alicia."
He nodded sagely. "You're right. Maybe you'll make a good backup... oi!" Ginny hit his arm and he laughed. "Alright! Alright! I don't know anyone else in our house that is as good as you and Katie. I'm more worried about the beaters and the other chaser."
"When you hold trials, you should look at my dormmate Demelza. She practiced with me before I got on the team. She is good," Ginny told him.
"I'll keep that in mind." They moved up to almost the front of the line. "I hope I can find some good beaters."
"I'm sure there will be some. So, you think we will have a good defence teacher this year?"
Harry shrugged. "Maybe." Neither of them brought up that they would have a new potions and transfiguration professor also. They quickly turned back to quidditch. When they got off the ride, Ginny was all smiles and dragged him off to another ride.
It was a little before six before they made it back to the Salty Serpent. "Thank you for today. I had fun," Ginny told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Harry realized she was doing that so her mum and others probably wouldn't be all over them when they got back.
"Yeah, I did too," he replied, not sure if he did or not.
It was to many expectant eyes when they flooed back and sat at a mostly full dinner table. Mr. Weasley was home at a reasonable hour. The twins had decided they would 'pop' over for a kip that night. Ron gave him a raised eye while Hermione didn't really look at him. Ginny was beaming as she sat, and Harry took his normal seat across from Ginny.
There were jokes and the twins took the Mickey out of them as they described their date.
After all was said and done, Mrs. Weasley let him take a bottle of butterbeer outside to the orchards. It wasn't long after that Hermione joined him. She had her own bottle of butterbeer. "You going back to your parents tomorrow?" Harry asked her.
"For the week. I'll be back on Friday and stay until we go to Hogwarts," Hermione told him.
He nodded, took a drink of his butterbeer and then laid on the grass, looking up at the stars. After a moment, Hermione joined him. "Where's Ron?"
"Talking with the twins," she replied.
Harry just grunted back.
"How was it today?"
Harry took a moment to think about it. "I think I was as impressed as Ginny. I have only been to the ocean once before, and it was rough and grey last time. Today it was more a deep blue. The water was a little wavy and there was a nice breeze. I like the smell of the salt water."
Hermione seemed to be waiting for him to say more. "That's all you felt today?"
He snorted. "It was fun. She was wide eyed most of the day to see how all the Muggles lived. We talked a lot about Quidditch this year. I can decide if she wants to be captain or likes that I am. She kept giving me advice all day."
"I think that is the easiest way she can talk with you. It's one of the few things you share," Hermione told him.
Harry put his hands behind his head. "We also talked about what this year may be like."
"I've been thinking of that too. Do you really want to date a bunch of girls?"
He snorted. "I wasn't thinking about that. I don't know. I'm not sure if I am ready to really date." He sighed. "I honestly don't understand what those old cronies were thinking when they put this covenant in."
"I don't either. What else about this year are you thinking about?" Hermione rolled onto her side to look at him. Harry intentionally kept looking at the sky. He didn't want to be tempted with someone he could never have.
"I was thinking that there will be no more Snape. McGonagall is Headmistress now. Do you think many will leave this country to avoid the law? What happens if people start getting married? Is it going to be weird that almost half the school is going to be going through this?" He put to her.
Hermione was quiet for a few. "I don't know, Harry. Right now, I am more concerned for you, Ron and Ginny. I haven't thought about the other changes. I suppose it might be nice to have a different potions professor, but I really like Professor McGonagall. She was going to offer advanced lesson on human transmogrification seventh year, as well as Animagus training. I hope the new professor will do the same."
He let out a breath. "I would like to become an Animagus like my dad."
"If your form is anything like your father's, it will be impressive," she enthused.
"I hope so," he replied.
They were quiet for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.
Eventually, Hermione commented, "It's going to be odd."
"What is?" he enquired, finally turning to look at her.
"V...Voldemort is dead. All the Death Eaters are gone. I don't feel like I have to look at every shadow or around every corner anymore. We have a chance to have a somewhat normal year at school," she commented.
He snorted. "Yeah. Normal."
Harry couldn't keep the sarcastic tone out of his voice.
"Well, no one should be trying to kill any of us," she replied equally sarcastically.
Harry laughed. "Then it's not going to be a normal year."
Hermione laughed too, lightly hitting his arm. "You know what I mean, prat."
Harry laughed harder. "I think Ron and I have been a bad influence on you."
"Oh, definitely. I was such an innocent, naive schoolgirl that first year," she said in an affected voice.
Harry lifted his hand and started to tick off his fingers as he spoke. "Not to mention bossy, a teacher's pet, adverse to break any rule, willing to die before being expelled... OI! Abuse!"
Hermione hit him a few times on his arm with no real force. "Then stop being and arse, Harry Potter!"
He laughed as he shielded himself. "Alright. I'm sorry."
She stopped and huffed. "You better be."
"I won't call you bossy again... for now," he teased.
She made an aggravated sound. "You are so incorrigible."
"Guilty," he laughed, and she smirked.
After a moment, she moved to lean her head against his shoulder. He sobered and turned to look back up towards the stars. "Do you like Ginny?"
He wanted to tell her how he felt for her, but he never could. "I don't know. She's pretty and fun to hang out with, but the more I do, the more it feels like I'm hanging out with my sister or a best friend."
Hermione sighed. "I don't think she is the one you should choose," she told him.
"What if it gets close and neither of us have anyone," Harry asked.
"I don't think you should unless you really like her, or even love her, by then. The Ministry matches are supposed to pair you as compatible. I have been looking into that and I think that mean magically and personality wise. If you don't like anyone that much, I think it might be better to make a relationship with someone you may not know," Hermione said.
"Really?" he asked dubiously.
"If you don't like someone that much by December, do you think you will ever grow feelings for them? I would prefer you to find someone you like, but I don't think the Ministry means bad this time. Mr. Weasley keeps saying that the Minister and many others are not pleased with this, but they are trying to do the right thing." Hermione moved a little closer in the cooling night.
He thought about it for a few. "I would just like to have a choice for once in my life," he said in a whisper.
"I know. I will do anything I can to help you, Harry."
"Thank you." He dropped an arm and it wrapped around her shoulders. She moved her head to rest on his chest. If he could have this for just one night, he would. After tonight, he would have to let go of this crush on his best friend.
"What do you plan to do with Lavender tomorrow?"
"I have no clue. I feel like I owe her a good day. All the tips she gave me on Tuesday helped with Ginny."
"Good. Why don't you take her to Piccadilly Circus for a good lunch? Or maybe an amusement park? Once we go to Hogwarts, you'll only be able to go into Hogsmeade," she told him.
"That might be a good idea. It was nice having Lavender be so familiar with the Muggle world."
Hermione moved and put a hand on his chest and press against his side. It probably was more than best mates should do, but he just wanted this one night. "I really didn't know she was a pureblood."
"I didn't either."
Their discussion died after that. He looked up at the night sky, enjoying the smell of her shampoo and the warmth of her against him. It was getting quite late when Hermione finally rolled away and sat up. Harry felt the loss immediately. "We should go in and go to bed."
Harry sat up, picking up his half-drunk bottle of butterbeer. "Sure. I'll be right in," he told her, taking another drink.
Hermione nodded. He didn't look at her as she walked back to the Burrow. He knew if he looked, or got up to go with her, he would finally break and tell her how he felt. Having her as close as she had been nice, and torturous.
When the door of the house closed, his anger at everything broke and Harry chucked the bottle as hard as he could. It broke against an apple tree. After screaming at the night, he flopped back down on the grass. Dew was collecting now.
It was well past two when he went back inside. Someone had left a lantern on in the kitchen, so he didn't have to bump into everything as he made his way to the stairs.
-oOo-
August 17, 1996
London, England
Ron had agreed to work for the twins for the rest of the summer. He figured it would give him a little spending money. More importantly, it would give him a chance to see others from school and if he found anyone to spend some time with, Fred and George would let him.
They had just set him to stocking some shelves when someone cleared their throat. Ron looked up to see a pretty redhead.
Susan Bones was arguably in the top three girls for looks in their year. Daphne Greengrass was on top. He would be hard pressed to decide if Sue Li or Susan would be next. Lavender was definitely four or five. Hermione taking the other spot.
Susan was a girl that was developing a nice hourglass shape, with large breasts, a pretty face and wide hips. He didn't know her well, but she always came off as nice. "Hello, Susan. Are you looking for something?"
Her face had a little colour to it. "Uhm, yeah. I was actually wondering what time you might be getting off today?" she asked.
Ron's eyes opened wide. "Uhm. I can take a break for a while once I get this shelf stocked. Maybe we can go get some ice cream or something?" He was sure his face was as bright as hers now. He thought Harry had been incredibly lucky with Lavender. He had to admit he was jealous. Lavender, and then his sister. Ron didn't want to date his sister, but he was jealous Harry already had two potential prospects. If he could swing a date with Susan Bones, he could prove he was as good as his best mate.
She bit her lip. "Do you want some help?"
"If you want," Ron said. She knelt down and soon the shelves were full again and she waited while he went to tell Fred he was leaving for a bit. When Fred stuck his head around the register, he got a huge grin.
"Bloody hell, Susan Bones?"
"Yeah. What of it?" Ron challenged his brother.
Fred just gave him an impressed look. He then opened the till and handed Ron ten galleons. "Go have fun and if you come back today, I'll make you one of our testers," Fred warned with a grin.
Ron looked at the money in his hand. It was almost as much as he got in a year from allowance. "Fred, I can't..."
"Oh, you're right. Silly me. I forgot your bonus."
Five more galleons were put in his hand. His face was red, but not from Susan this time. Fred nodded his head. "Don't keep a lady waiting."
Susan was waiting by the door. "You all set now?"
"Yeah. Fortescue's?"
"That sounds nice," Susan agreed.
Ron gave a shy smile and she returned it. It was just starting to hit him that he had never been on a date before, and he didn't know what to really do. It was an awkward silence as they walked down the street. Ron noticed the two burgundy robed Aurors that were trailing them and figured it had to be because of her aunt, making it more awkward. They sat and ordered some ice cream before Susan finally spoke up.
"I've seen you're name in the Daily Prophet all summer. They are calling you and Harry and the others heroes," she commented.
Ron blinked at her, not understanding at first that the look Susan was giving him was akin to what some girls gave to Harry as the boy-who-lived. "Uhm, yeah," he said with a half-smile. "It wasn't all it was cracked up to be."
Ron wasn't being untruthful or modest. It really hadn't been fun being a hero. He had spent a week in the hospital. One of his brothers had died. Hermione and others had come close to dying.
"Auntie says that at times too. It doesn't change the fact you ran off to help Harry. There were a lot in the D.A. that wished they could have helped you," Susan told him.
"We all got lucky to survive. I'm glad you weren't there," Ron told her.
She nodded. "Maybe it was best this way. I'm sorry about your brother."
Ron frowned and looked down. "In the end he chose his family."
Susan nodded. "I always wondered what it would be like to have a brother or a sister."
Ron snorted. "I have si... five of them. You're welcome to have them," he said, trying to joke, but knowing his voice had cracked a little as he thought about Percy.
She gave a half smile, trying to change the mood with him. "You sound like you want to get rid of them."
Ron snorted. "Most days. My brothers are mostly annoying and joke all the time. Even Bill and Charlie when they are around. Ginny is an annoying little sister, always in my hair and wanting to hang out with me and my friends... but it's nice to have them around too."
Her smile was more genuine. "I bet."
The ice cream came out. For once, Ron didn't feel like digging into it like he normally would. He took a spoonful but didn't bring it near his mouth. "How has your summer been?"
Susan took a bit into her mouth and demurely put a hand to her mouth until she swallowed. "Good enough. I went with Hannah's family for two weeks exploring some islands in the Caribbean. The water is so blue, and you can see the bottom in so many places. It would have been nice if Auntie could have come, but she has her hands full at the Ministry right now."
Ron nodded. "So we have heard. How is Minister Bones?"
"Busy. She is fuming with the Proliferation laws and other stuff. How was your summer?"
Ron shrugged, finally taking a small bite before answering. "Quiet. We haven't done much. Harry moved in when we got home and we have just been trying to figure out what to do with, you know."
Susan nodded. "Harry moved in with you? Did something happen with his family? I know you-know-who was hunting him."
He shook his head. "Nothing like that. He was emancipated after his godfather died and didn't want to go back to his relatives, so mum and dad offered him a place for as long as he needed."
"Oh, that was nice of them."
"He's like family," Ron told her. Harry was like family.
"That must be nice. Hannah's parents treat me that way. So, you going to be on the Gryffindor team again this year?"
Ron gave a big smile. "I hope so."
"I do too. You did well last year," she complimented him.
Ron blushed some. "Thank you."
"I was thinking of trying out for chaser this year," she told him.
"You should. Playing up there is great."
She gave a little giggle at the wide grin he had. "I assume that is after you get the jitters out, King Weasley?"
He felt his face burn some. "Yeah, there is that."
"I liked that you made Malfoy eat his words. I hope you do again," she commented.
He went from feeling embarrassed to feeling high as his broom on game days. "I think I will," he said more confidently than usual.
"I look forward to playing against you if I get on the team."
"I won't go easy on you," he told her.
She laughed. "I think you will have to worry more about me going easy on you," she said, not sounding or acting so contrite.
"Ok, before we go any further, what is your opinion of the Cannons?"
She scoffed. "The Chudley Cannons are junk. The only team worth supporting is the Appleby Arrows."
He screwed his face. "They have been lower than the Cannons the last two years."
"That's only because they lost Reading and Woolenby. Their new chasers are still young. Next year they will be near the top," Susan defended.
"Eastly is a horrible Seeker though," Ron countered.
"And Quinn is any better? Her record is worse than Eastly."
"She is not," Ron shot back.
"She is so," Susan retorted.
"Just as long as you don't support Portree..."
Her face twisted into disgust. "Oh, merlin. How can you support them? They are only top because the owners violate the league rules on salary, and they steal the best talent."
"I've been saying that for years and no one will listen to me," Ron enthusiastically responded.
"I know. Hannah thinks I'm mental, but she supports Portree, so I think she's the barmy one," Susan stated.
Ron laughed. "She should talk to Neville. He's a Portree fan too. They are all barking mad," Ron said with a smile.
Susan giggled. "I know. Really."
Ron smiled and was still smiling when he said goodbye and hoped to see her on the train. Susan said she would like that. When he walked back into the Wizarding Wheezes, George gave him a pointed look from the counter. A few people were lined up buying things.
He moved over to see what he should do.
"You're back early. Already get shot down?" George asked as he rung up a dark hair girl that looked about his age.
"Susan had to go. I think we are going to sit together on the Hogwarts Express," Ron said with a smile.
George gave an approving nod. "There is hope for you yet. If you are staying, go see Fred and help to stock some more shelves."
Ron reached into his pocket. It had cost just over a galleon for today. George shook his head. "It's a bonus. Now get back to work."
Ron stomped on his urge that it was a handout. George and Fred were family and was really charity if it was family? It would just mean he would work twice as hard.
-oOo-
The same day...
London, England
Harry walked into Rumble and Pick to find Rebecca playing a guitar with a boy a year or two younger than him. That first day he tried to call her Mrs. Brown, he had been dressed down. The woman was in her mid-thirties and gorgeous. Harry liked how the woman was in jeans, a Ramones shirt and tattoos that gave her this real cool vibe. It was hard to believe that Rebecca had grown up as a 'proper' pureblood. Her daughter had her mother's looks, but not the same rebellious character. At least not on the surface.
"Hey, Harry. Lavender should be down shortly. You want to grab a guitar and join us? I'm just teaching Sam some basic cords at the moment," Rebecca offered.
"I've never picked up a guitar before," he told her.
"First time for everything. Now, Sam, this one is a A, G, E spread, like this."
Harry watched for a few. The woman was in her element and deftly guided the younger teen on how to play. He was enjoying it so much, he didn't realize that Lavender had snuck up behind her until she suddenly whispered, "Guess who," and put her hands over his eyes.
Harry reacted. He ducked down, spun and had his fists up before he thought about it. Lavender gave a small scream and backed up. Harry's heart was pounding in is chest, ready for action. Lavender had her hands to her mouth, and she looked a little scared.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," she told him.
Harry let out a huff and dropped his fists. After a moment, he ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Lav. I just still... you know a little jumpy at times."
"I really didn't mean to scare you," she reiterated.
"It's nothing. "
She settled a little. He finally took her in and felt his teen hormones take up. She was in a dark-blue pleated skirt with a white blouse that hugged her chest and black stocking that seemed to show off her shapely legs even more. Lavender gave him a satisfied smirk when he met her eyes. He fought down the heat that threatened to light up his cheeks. "You look nice today," he complimented.
Harry realized the lesson had stopped.
"Thank you. You clean up better each time," she said in a teasing tone.
He rubbed the back of his neck this time. "If you say so. So, you want to head out?"
"Yeah. Do you mind if I pick the place today?" she asked.
Harry shrugged. "That's fine. I was only thinking of going to Lightwater Valley, if you wanted."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh, maybe we can do that before we get on the train. I know a few others that might like to go too."
"Next weekend?"
"I don't think I need to do the whole mother thing, do I?" Rebecca asked, coming over to them.
"I promise to be the gentleman and bring her back on time," Harry said, giving a cheeky grin to Rebecca.
The woman eyed him. "You watch out for this one, Lav. Be back by nine, or not. I only want you using the floo or the Knight Bus, alright?" she said more to her daughter than him.
"Yes, mum. We will be back by nine," Lavender rolled her eyes.
Rebecca laughed at them. "Just have fun you too."
"So, where are we going," Harry asked as they walked out of the music shop and headed towards the Leaky Cauldron.
"You ever been to a professional Quidditch match?"
"I didn't bring robes today," he told her.
"I didn't either. There are many that wear only Muggle clothes," she assured him.
"So, who are we going to see?"
"I had a little birdie tell me you liked the Wimbourne Wasps and the just happen to be playing my favorite team today," she said with a smirk.
"Where did you hear that and who do you support?"
"A woman never reveals her secrets." She winked at him.
He laughed. "You aren't a Portree fan, are you?"
"And if I was?"
"I guess today would be worth it if the Wasps win," he cheekily replied.
She laughed at him. "Good thing I'm not a Wasps fan. They are playing the Tornadoes though."
He rolled his eyes and gave a disgruntled sound. "Oh, them."
She eyed him. "Yes. Them."
He couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he stuck his wand out to call the Knight Bus. "Well, good thing I have nothing against the Tornadoes."
She giggled and paid the three sickles it cost for them to go out to Tuthill. Lavender grabbed his arm as the bus took off and he tried his best to keep her from moving around too much.
When they got off, she was still grabbing his arm tightly. "Not a fan?"
"Not really, but that is a long floo ride from the Leaky Cauldron and always seem to knock my elbows," she told him.
"The first time I took the floo I ended up in Borgin and Burkes, instead of Diagon Alley," he told her.
She giggled at him as they walked into a copse of trees. Lavender seemed to know the way, so he let her lead him. It helped that a few others were on the path as well. "The match doesn't start for another hour and a half, but I thought we could get something to eat at the concessions before the game," she told him.
"Sounds good to me. Are there usually a lot of wizards at the matches?"
"A thousand or more, usually. Mum said there used to be more when she was younger. Maybe a few thousand every game," she told him.
Harry nodded. He was starting to understand what Grindelwald, the Pureblood Supremacists and Voldemort had done to their world. It made sense when you looked at it that way, but it still sucked for them.
"I'm excited to see this. I've only been to the World Cup," he told her.
Her smile was really nice. "Good. Mum suggested it with how much I talk about you playing."
Harry quirked an eyebrow at her. "I take it you talk about me a lot?"
She blushed a little, her smile becoming a little abashed. "Well, you know... mum and I talk about school every year and I do like Quidditch, and you are a great Seeker..."
"I do well enough," he told her, feeling abashed at the praise. Harry loved to fly, and he loved playing seeker, but he wasn't one for a lot of praise, as good as it felt at times.
Lavender giggled. "You do more than 'well enough'. That's one thing I like about you. You aren't all cocked up like most the other boys."
He laughed at her. Lavender didn't pull any punches at times. "Yeah, after meeting McLaggen, I figure most girls don't like that type of thing."
She laughed. "Merlin! No. Some do, but he's the biggest peacock I've ever met."
Harry laughed at the image. "Oh, he's a 'P' something."
They continued to laugh and joke at McLaggen's expense as they entered the stadium. There were about a dozen stalls along the concourse. It looked like more than half the quidditch stadium was closed off. They found a stall selling pies and pasties and sat at a small table enjoying their lunch over a butterbeer.
When it came time to go into the stands, they sat in the middle of the stands, right in the center of the pitch. Lavender had been right. There were maybe a thousand or so people in the stands. The stadium was maybe a quarter full, and they all sat on the same side. It hit Harry again that the wizarding population had been so much larger at one time.
How many wizards, witches and entire families had Voldemort eliminated?
The other thing he noted was that Lavender had been right. They didn't stick out too much wearing Muggle clothes. About a quarter of the people there did as well. Harry was wondering if he was seeing a shift in culture or if this was a standard thing.
"So, whenever I come with mum or Parvati, we always make little bets," Lavender told him.
"Bets? What kind of bets? Have you bet on me?" Harry questioned.
Lavender bit her lip for a second. "Well, I've only lost once when you are involved and that was the time you lost to Diggory," she told him.
Yeah, Harry would never forget that one... it was the day he was attacked by Dementors and the day his first broom had been smashed by the Whomping Willow. "Yeah, not my finest hour," he jibed.
Her expression hardened. "You were cheated out of that by those stupid Dementors," she quipped back.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... what type of bets do you do?"
She got a mischievous grin. "Nothing bad. You know, streaking through the common room. Asking a boy you like on a date. Putting ink into a teacher's teacup..."
Harry laughed. "That was you that got McGonagall that time?"
"Well, actually Hannah. Susan and Hannah usually join in on the fun too," she said.
"And who had to streak the common room? I don't remember that."
"Susan lost the bet on the last Slytherin game." Her smirk was almost a full smile at that one.
"And what did you have to do when you lost that one third year?"
"I don't talk about that," she said, a little heat coming to her face.
He chuckled at the look on her face. "You can't leave me hanging like this," he told her.
She just shrugged. "Maybe if you become my boyfriend at some point, I will tell you."
Harry looked at her questioningly. "So, you have thought about what we talked about Tuesday?"
The announcer had started to call out the teams. Lavender looked down at the field as the players flew out of the tunnels. "I'll be honest with you, Harry. I like you. I have for a while. Even before this summer. After listening to you say you wanted to date a few other girls, I get it. I don't like it, but I should do the same. Boys I mean," she said, and he couldn't keep the cheeky grin off his face. She flushed and nudged him. "Head out of the gutter."
He chuckled, feeling his face heat a little. "A boy can dream," he teased, not really meaning it. He really didn't want two or more witches, but he couldn't deny that it sounded interesting.
She giggled. "Alright. I can admit I've thought about two wizards..." She laughed to see the look on his face. "But, seriously."
The referee was lining up the players.
She let out a sigh. "I've done some thinking and agree we should consider other people. I don't like to share, but this isn't exactly something normal."
He let out a sigh and watched the quaffle get thrown into the air. "No, this is not normal. Lav, I will be honest with you too. I really don't want to date around. I don't want to be a playboy or anything like that. I am finding I like you too, but I think it would be a disservice to both of us to just settle right away. We are talking about marriage and the rest of our lives at the end of this."
She looked uncertain. "We are. I always thought I would date around a bit. Fall in love someday. I didn't want to settle until I was a few years out of Hogwarts and doing something. Mum was forced to marry right out of school to satisfy some family alliance. I really think she did fall for my father, but I don't think she was ever really in love with him. She has told me to always follow my heart and not to settle."
Harry nodded. "I've been told my parents were deeply in love, but they didn't get together until seventh year, and it was the war that caused them to marry straight out of Hogwarts."
"...the Wasps are first on the board. Collingsworth takes the quaffle..." the announcer said. Harry had to cheer for his team. When they sat again, watching the game, Lavender moved a little closer. "My parents were married for almost three years before I was born. Mum was twenty. Dad just didn't come home one day with I was close to one. I know how your parents were killed, but we don't even know what happened to him. That was blagging!" Lavender yelled out. "So, what is the bet?"
"If the Wasps win, you go on another date with me," Harry challenged her.
She giggled. "That isn't a bet."
He waggled his eyes. "For all you know you'll hate me by the end of the day. I am a Wasps fan and want to see the Tornadoes lose, so I figure you'll be pretty upset."
She continued to giggle. "Fine. If the Tornados win, you have to wear Slytherin colours to the opening feast."
"Deal," he said, and they shook hands.
Harry and her got into the game after that. At the few down times, they would talk again. By the end of the match, he was realizing he knew more about Lavender Brown than he ever thought he would. As flighty and girly she seemed to be, he was starting to think she had either really matured this past year, or she was acting at times. Or maybe it was just when she was with her other friends, that other side of her came out?
The game had started at noon. It was close to three-thirty when it was done. As they walked out of the stadium, Lavender took his hand. Harry would normally pull away from most people. Instead, he squeezed her hand back and after a moment, he was just as eager to interweave his fingers between hers when she instigated the movement.
"So, are you taking me back home or we going to push the curfew mum gave me?" Her eyes were almost challenging him. It was only four in the afternoon. It must be that Gryffindor in them both.
"This doesn't count as your next date," he told her. The Wasps had won 280 to 240.
She made an affected sigh. "What ever shall I do? It will be so insufferable."
"See, told you you would be upset."
She rolled her eyes and they got in line with the few others waiting for the Knight Bus. "Oh, yeah, really upset. Upset enough I think you need to take me out to a nice dinner to calm me down."
He gave a cheeky grin. "Have you ever been to Brighton?"
She looked at him. "No. Why?"
"Have I got the place for you..."
When he walked her back home at quarter past nine, they were holding hands again and Lavender's mouth was going a mile a minute. Apparently, she had really enjoyed the arcade and rides. "We have to go to Lightwater Valley or something else next week," she was telling him. "That was so much fun. You still owe me a nice dinner though."
He shrugged. "I'm not busy any day this week," he told her.
"I'm working for mum Monday through Thursday, but off by five," she told him.
"How about Wednesday? Maybe a typical dinner and movie night?"
She moved closer. "I like that idea."
He opened the door next to the shop that led upstairs. He walked her up to the door and she kissed his cheek. "I had a good time."
"I did too. Wednesday?"
"Pick me up at six," she told him.
"Sure."
The door to her apartment opened and Rebecca leaned against the door frame. "You're back earlier than I expected."
"I didn't mean to get her back late," Harry told her.
Her mother shook her head. "It's more of a guideline, but don't do it too often."
"I won't. I'll see you Wednesday," he told Lavender.
She nodded and moved in quickly again to kiss his cheek. "Wednesday."
Her mother rose an eyebrow. "I'll see you Wednesday, Harry," Rebecca said.
"Night," he said before making his way down the stairs. In all his years, he never thought he would like Lavender Brown, but he found himself really pleased with today. He would have to invite Ron for Saturday. Hermione too if she was back by then.
At that thought, he tried to focus on Lavender. it had been a really nice day. Much nicer at Brighton Pier with Lavender than it had been with Ginny. Not that it had been bad with Ginny, but Lavender laughed more, made him laugh more, and they talked about much broader topics.
Either way, Harry found he liked Lavender Brown.